A dining tour through Ellenville

Ellenville is a quiet mountain town nestled in the Catskills, but there’s nothing quaint about the cuisine. From beloved farm-to-table staples, elegant Italian, lively pub fare, and flavors of Korea to romantic candle-lit dinners, pizza by the slice, casual delis, and tastes of the Caribbean—Ellenville’s fierce dining scene is lively and diverse.

Here’s a loosely categorized guide to eating well in Ellenville. For websites, phone numbers, addresses and a full list of restaurants in the area, visit our dining page.

Upscale

Looking for a spot to propose, celebrate an anniversary, or just make a really good impression on a first date? Ellenville hosts a handful of upscale eateries and bistros helmed by accomplished chefs in romantic settings with top-notch service.

Perhaps the most famous restaurant in Ellenville is the beloved Aroma Thyme Bistro on Canal Street, led by co-owners Marcus and Jamie Guiliano. Marcus, also the restaurant’s executive chef, is a leading voice and award-winning innovator in the slow-food movement. Aroma Thyme has quickly become required dining for Hudson Valley visitors and residents, with an ever-changing menu built around the seasonal availability of organic local produce and livestock and an exciting and playful bar menu.

Also on Canal Street, Tony & Nick’s Italian Kitchen is a cozy family-run Italian restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes, hand-cut steaks, artisan brick-oven pizzas, gourmet burgers and craft cocktails. This is a great place to catch live music from some of the region’s most interesting musicians and singer-songwriters.

Tavern/Pub/Diner

Need a good beer and a plate of fried food in a lively atmosphere? Ellenville has several taverns and pubs great for happy hour socializing, business lunches, or late night drinks and apps.

Overlooking the gorgeous grounds and views of the Shawangunk Country Club, Tavern at the ‘Gunk offers the best of two worlds: a menu of Pub Fare featuring modestly priced classics like chicken wings, loaded fries, burgers and salads, and a full lunch/dinner menu of steaks, fish, pasta, and stir fry.

Meanwhile, over on Canal Street, The Publik House serves wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and its famous Pub Bowls (Mash with Chicken, Steak or Brats)—all in a lively “small town pub” atmosphere with a full bar and good company.

A stone’s toss from The Publik House, Cattleman’s Grill boasts an extensive menu featuring everything from classic diner options, barbecue, and fish to a whole page of steaks (T-Bone, Porterhouse, NY Strip, London Broil) that more than earn the restaurant its name.

Mexican/Latin/Caribbean

Serving traditional Mexican food (with a handful of American options as well), Gaby’s Café on Canal offers hearty, slow-cooked goodness from a large, mouth-watering menu in a classy bar/grill atmosphere. Owner Genaro Garcia not only knows how to cook and entertain, but he is an appreciated business leader in this tight knit community.

Across the street from Gaby’s you’ll find the Colombian Deli, which serves delicious handmade empanadas and other authentic cuisine in a casual, cozy space.

La Cocinita on Main Street is a humble neighborhood takeout spot with a menu of fiery, authentic Latin fare (roast pork with green olives, chicken wings, rice and beans) that has earned the stamp of approval from hard-to-please city-dwelling Yelp critics.

Island Pepper Pot & Lounge just opened in Ellenville (on Liberty Street) last year, but it’s made quite the impression in its first months, wowing residents with flavorful stews, curries, jerk chicken, oxtail soup and sweet plantains.

Japanese/Korean/Chinese

On Center Street you’ll find the remodeled local favorite Sook House serving Korean and Japanese cuisine—specialty sushi rolls, dumplings, ramen, bibimbap, tempura udon, and so much more—in a comfortable dining room.

A few doors down, China One offers classic Chinese takeout like cashew chicken and kung pao in a quirky storefront.

Pizza

Given Ellenville’s modest population of 4,000, it is surprising how many delicious slices of pizza can be found! Arianna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Market serves whole pies and slices, from classic Sicilian to inventive twists like Chicken Marsala and Baked Ziti—plus a full menu of salads, sandwiches, and classic Italian dishes like Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana, Veal Piccata, and Shrimp Scampi.

Dominick’s on Center Street is a no-frills stop for quick slices and fast lunches, while Il Paradiso on Shoprite Boulevard offers New York slices and American-influenced pasta adaptations like the Cajun Grill: chicken, shrimp and sausage in penne and a spicy cream sauce.

Bakery/Deli/BBQ

Cohen’s Bakery on Center Street, the famous spot that introduced the world to raisin-pumpernickel bread, is alive and kicking. An Ellenville institution since it first opened in 1920, Cohen’s is a must-visit for anyone who swoons over the smells, tastes and textures of fresh-baked breads and pastries.

Meanwhile, Wilson’s Market on Canal carries a stellar reputation for its out-of-this-world hero subs, Reubens, and breakfast sandwiches, and the Coffee Shop on Main Street serves breakfast, lunch (with Boar’s Head meat) and java in a modest spot as utilitarian as its name.

The new kid on the block is Smoken Mos, 107 Canal St., a Carolina-style barbecue concept from Bobby and Lisa Mobley. They currently serve from a food truck parked behind their forthcoming brick-and-mortar spot (Doughboyz’ former location), which opens in late September. Bobby has been perfecting his recipes for years, and hungry patrons can expect a feast of smoked goodness—like the Heffer (brisket), the Porkster (a pulled pork sandwich) and the Wild Mac, a decadent feast of pulled pork and melted gouda sandwiched between two deep-fried patties of mac and cheese.